Top 11 Beaches in Portugal

Portugal is home to some of Europe’s most stunning beaches, offering a variety of seaside getaways.

Expect sandy islands kissed by azure waters, serene coves nestled beside dramatic cliffs, and expansive dunes facing world-class surf spots. The real task is figuring out where to start.

While a list of the country's finest beaches could easily exceed a hundred, we've narrowed it down to our top 11 favorites. Now is the perfect time to plan your beach getaway to Portugal.

1. Praia dos Galapinhos, Parque Natural da Arrábida

Just under an hour’s drive from Lisbon, you’ll find the stunning coastal wilderness of Parque Natural da Arrábida. Here, lush hills plunge dramatically to the coast, revealing secluded coves and beautiful beaches. The gem among them is Praia dos Galapinhos, featuring soft white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming.

2. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe

Nestled along the rugged western Algarve, Praia de Odeceixe offers the perfect blend of beauty, attracting both families and surfers. Its unique location at the mouth of the Rio Odeceixe provides a sandy riverside area ideal for kids to play safely away from the crashing waves.

Travel tip: If you’re after waves, head over to the ocean where you can find rideable breaks year-round, with the best conditions in winter. Several surf schools, including Odeceixe Surf School, can help you improve your skills or learn new ones.

3. Praia Baleal, near Peniche

Located about 5km (3 miles) northeast of Peniche on Portugal’s western shoreline, Praia Baleal is a stunning beach that captivates visitors. This sandy expanse serves as a causeway, connecting the mainland to the charming, island-like village of Baleal, perched on a rugged headland that juts into the Atlantic.

The expansive sandy beach here provides excellent swimming opportunities both north and south, along with great surfing conditions. Surf schools and a variety of restaurants can be found lining the beach.

4. Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

This expansive beach at the eastern tip of Ilha de Tavira – a long barrier island off Portugal’s southern coast – features golden sands and crystal-clear waters, along with a few beach bars, a windsurfing school, and a summer campground (the only lodging available on the island). Outside of the peak months of July and August, it offers a wonderfully secluded and quiet atmosphere.

Travel tip: Ferries provide a quick 10-minute ride to the island from Quatro Águas, located 2km (1.25 miles) southeast of Tavira, one of the Algarve’s most delightful towns.

5. Praia da Falésia, near Albufeira

The Algarve boasts an abundance of stunning beaches, and this 6km-long (3.7 miles) stretch of sand bordered by beautiful ochre cliffs is among the finest. Located 8km (5 miles) east of Albufeira, this beach becomes quite crowded in summer, especially at high tide.

Travel tip: Visit during the low season – from November to March – when average temperatures reach around 16°C (61°F), and you'll have the beach almost to yourself.

6. Praia de São Jacinto, near Aveiro

Nestled between crashing Atlantic waves and endless sand dunes, this breathtaking beach marks the western boundary of the São Jacinto nature reserve. While it may take some effort to reach, the journey is worthwhile for those who appreciate sandy, secluded, and rugged beaches.

Travel tip: To access Praia de São Jacinto, take a 20-minute bus ride from Aveiro to Forte da Barra, then a ferry to São Jacinto, followed by a short walk to the beach. Aveiro is just a 50-minute train ride from Porto, making it easy to enjoy a day trip from the city.

7. Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo

Located near Portugal’s northern border with Spain, Viana do Castelo boasts a charming medieval center, a scenic riverfront, and beautiful beaches just a short distance from the city. The standout is Praia do Cabedelo, a 1km-long (0.6 mile) curve of soft golden sand that gently transitions into grassy dunes, sheltered by a grove of wind-swept pines.

Travel tip: To reach it, take a quick five-minute ferry ride from the pier located south of Praça da Liberdade, across the river from the town.

8. Praia das Furnas, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Situated on the left bank of the Rio Mira in Portugal’s southern Alentejo region, Praia das Furnas features a lengthy expanse of soft sand bordered by small rocky cliffs. The nearby sandbars create ideal conditions for playful waves, making it perfect for little ones enjoying their first experience in the sea.

Travel tip: You can reach this beach by car or take a short ferry ride from Vila Nova de Milfontes, a charming and relaxed resort town.

9. Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Praia do Camilo exemplifies the charming small sandy coves that line the Algarve coastline. This beautifully situated beach is found on the outskirts of Lagos, a delightful resort town featuring cobblestone streets and scenic squares surrounded by 16th-century walls.

Travel tip: A set of 200 wooden steps leads visitors down to the golden sandy shore, where shallow turquoise waters meet the beach, embraced by wind-sculpted cliffs. Arrive early or choose to visit outside peak season to claim your spot.

10. Costa da Caparica, near Lisbon

As one of the most accessible beach getaways close to Lisbon, Costa da Caparica on the Setúbal Peninsula features a seemingly endless beach that draws sun-loving lisboêtas seeking golden tans, surfers eager to catch Atlantic waves, and day-tripping families looking for clean waters and soft sand.

While development is present, just a short distance to the south reveals towering pines and laid-back beach cafés.

11. Praia do Norte, Nazaré

An underwater canyon off northern Portugal’s coast creates the perfect setting for some of the largest waves on the planet. You can witness these giants at Praia do Norte, a rugged beach surrounded by dunes a few kilometers north of Nazaré.

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo features a rooftop terrace for enjoying the oceanic spectacle, as well as a small museum dedicated to the massive waves and the surfers who have conquered them, including Sebastian Steudtner, who famously rode a record-setting 26.2m (86ft) wave in 2020.